This wild Hippopotas inhabits the sun-baked desert surrounding a desert Pokémon Center visited by Ash and his companions. Bonnie encountered the Ground-type Pokémon prior to the group reaching Dahara City. When Baraz and Meray needed the elemental forces of Fire, Water, and Ground to forge a new Prison Bottle for Hoopa's unrestrained power, Bonnie suggested the desert-dwelling Hippopotas for the Ground element. Hoopa summoned this specific Hippopotas directly to Dahara Tower. Under Bonnie's direction, Hippopotas executed Sand Attack as part of the ritual, collaborating with Serena's Braixen (Fire) and Ash's Frogadier (Water) to harness the three energies. Its participation proved instrumental in successfully recreating the Prison Bottle. Following the sealing of Hoopa's dark energy and the conflict's resolution, Hoopa returned Hippopotas to its desert home via ring portal. Bonnie expressed her gratitude for its assistance before its departure. Biologically consistent with its species, this Hippopotas is adapted to arid environments. It avoids water, uses sand as a protective barrier against germs, expels grainy sand from its body instead of perspiration, travels through sand with nostrils shut, is active by day, and burrows into sand at night for warmth. These traits align with its desert survival.